What does “listen to your body” really mean? Q&A with Coach #15 has the answer

If you buy any running book you’ll see the phrase “listen to your body .” But what does this mean practically, on a day to day basis? For new or beginner runners, it’s hard to listen to this type of advice. You don’t speak the language of your body yet, so how can you listen? Knowing whether a certain pain is “bad” or harmless – or differentiating between fatigue and being over-trained – is a skill. And like any skill, it takes time to develop and learn over time. Listening to your body means translating the hundreds of signals you’re receiving: The sound of your feet hitting the ground How you’re breathing The responsiveness of your legs How the overall effort level of a given pace feels The impact of terrain on perceived effort That’s a lot to decipher, especially if you’re a new runner! Since we’re celebrating the release of my new book for beginners Running for Health ...